Composer

:

Howard Hanson

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Prayer

Compose Date

:

1976

Average_duration

:

3:39

'A Prayer of the Middle Ages' is a choral work composed by Howard Hanson in 1930. The piece was premiered on May 8, 1930, by the Eastman School of Music Chorus and Orchestra, conducted by Hanson himself. The work is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement, titled "O Lord, Thou Hast Searched Me Out," is a setting of a text from the Book of Common Prayer. The movement begins with a slow, mournful introduction in the orchestra, which sets the tone for the entire piece. The choir enters with a quiet, prayerful melody, which gradually builds in intensity as the movement progresses. The movement ends with a powerful climax, as the choir sings the final words of the text, "and lead me in the way everlasting." The second movement, titled "O Christ, Our Hope," is a setting of a text by St. Augustine. This movement is more upbeat and joyful than the first, with a lively melody in the orchestra and choir. The choir sings the text in a call-and-response style, with the orchestra providing a rhythmic accompaniment. The movement ends with a triumphant chorus, as the choir sings "Alleluia" in unison. The final movement, titled "O God, Our Help in Ages Past," is a setting of a hymn by Isaac Watts. This movement is the most grandiose of the three, with a full orchestra and choir. The choir sings the hymn in a majestic, hymn-like style, with the orchestra providing a rich, full-bodied accompaniment. The movement ends with a powerful climax, as the choir sings the final words of the hymn, "and our eternal home." Overall, 'A Prayer of the Middle Ages' is a powerful and moving choral work that showcases Hanson's skill as a composer. The piece is characterized by its rich harmonies, lush orchestration, and powerful choral writing. It is a testament to the enduring power of prayer and the human spirit, and remains a beloved work in the choral repertoire to this day.

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